HOPE: Prepare the Way of the Lord

Gosh, I love it when a new month starts on a Sunday:)

After a long (fun!!) week of traveling, time-zone adjusting, cooking, eating, and laughing, I returned to Macon, Georgia, just in time to see my church's gorgeous, decked-out sanctuary. December 1st: the first day of December. December 1st: the first day of Advent:)

As with any liturgical switch in the church calendar, Sunday's service marked a shift in congregations around the globe—in aesthetic, worship structure, and focus. Our service began with one of our youth, who carried in the Hope banner, and one of our children, who served as acolyte.

Then, our music minister, whose booming voice filled the space with our sung call to worship (this is my favorite part): "Prepare the way of the Lord. Prepare the way of the Lord, and all people will see the salvation of our God!"

The space, too, was full of change: A tall tree full of ribbons (and later, Chrismons), the nativity scene, an Advent wreath that a church family lit, greenery, purples, reds, blues, and golds...

To anyone walking into our sanctuary, it is obvious. Like a birthday party, a bridal shower display, or a spread of everyone's favorite foods: Something big is about to happen. Something big is happening right now!

...

To me, our shimmering sanctuary is a cue. It helps me remember, Wake up, Allie! Jesus is coming! Because that is what Advent is all about!

Advent is a set apart time for followers of Jesus to intentionally and eagerly anticipate the birth of Emmanuel—the birth of God with us... the birth of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Advent is a time for us to prepare for Jesus, like one might prepare for a child.

Now, I'm not a mother, and I don't plan on being one for a long, long time. However, I do remember preparing for the birth of my siblings. I remember "babyproofing" our house—the doorknob covers, cabinet locks, and pillows by the fireplace. What about this environment is not safe for a baby, and how can we prepare the way?

I remember the parenting books my parents bought. How can we be the best versions of ourselves? How can we change our hearts and lives to better receive the life of this child?

I remember the nursery decorations. My parents didn't plan my siblings' weddings. They didn't organize my siblings' retirement funds or think too, too far ahead. They were present with the immediate needs of their coming baby. How can we be present while still preparing?

Jesus does not need a parent. He already has one:) But during Advent, we can prepare for Jesus. We can look around our world and see what needs changing. We can look inside of us and see how we might change. And we can be present—if not for the sake of Jesus, then for the sake of us. And that can bring us hope!

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It has been a long, full, wonderful, and difficult year. But this week, I am hopeful. I am hopeful because I am reminded of the birth of Jesus and the way that his light and radical teachings changed everything! I am hopeful because I am here. And somehow, that is enough. I am hopeful because I am choosing to practice mindfulness and connectedness (yes... even during exam season. Bless our hearts).

So whether your Advent looks like beautiful sanctuaries, devotions in your dorm room, quiet time in the morning, or (to all my non-liturgical folks) not a whole lot of structure at all, my prayer for us is that we take a moment to breathe. Take a moment to prepare. And take a moment to be present.

Happy Advent, Advent People! May you feel grounded in the stories we tell and the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love that lives right now.